US Senator Lindsey Graham (listed as an extremist and terrorist), a close ally of President Donald Trump, has made a statement about the possible introduction of 500% tariffs on imports from countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, petroleum products and uranium if Russia does not demonstrate its readiness for peace in the framework of the ongoing negotiations on Ukraine. Graham said this in an interview with Bloomberg, emphasizing that the memorandum on the ceasefire should show Putin’s “mood for peace.” The bill, which has already received support in the Senate, could become one of the harshest economic blows to Russia amid the ongoing conflict.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Graham’s bill, introduced in early May 2025, would impose 500% tariffs on imports from countries that continue to trade energy with Russia, including China, India, and some European countries like Spain, which imports Russian liquefied natural gas. It would also prohibit American citizens from buying Russian sovereign debt. The bill has already gained 67 co-sponsors in the Senate, including Republican Majority Leader John Thune and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, ensuring its passage even if vetoed by President Trump.

Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which, according to the WSJ, could take place in the Vatican in June 2025, remain a key condition for avoiding new sanctions.